A ‘Bhalobashar Neer’ for birds

The chirping sound of baby birds waiting in nests made out of earthen pots -- this is what people are welcomed to when they visit the additional police superintendent's office in Moulvibazar Sadar circle.

These nests were set up by Ziaur Rahman, former ASP of the district, local journalist Hasanat Kamal, and Zaheed Ahmed Chowdhury, a young trader from the area, under their initiative "Bhalobashar Neer" (a house of love).

Aiming to ensure safe habitats for birds, the three had planned the initiative about three years ago. However, their plans were put on hold indefinitely due to Covid-19.

After the pandemic, over 80 clay pots were installed as bird nests to shelter local birds about a year ago.

Upon visiting the ASP's office in the town's M Saifur Rahman road, this correspondent came across two boards that read -- let's all create a safe environment for the birds.

He also came across various pots tied to mango, mahogany, litchi, and arjuna trees which serve as a home to many birds in the area.

"I had seen such nests in Rajshahi and it really inspired me. This area is home to numerous birds, and we wanted to build a sanctuary for them," said Ziaur, who is currently posted as ASP (crime) in Pabna.

Bird nests often fall off as they fail to endure rains and storms, informed Hasanat, the editor of online portal Eye News.

"Hatchlings usually die when they fall off the nests. It's difficult to save them even if we rescue them swiftly. Thus, we came up with this solution -- a permanent and ecofriendly substitute," he said.

After considering the pros and cons, the team started collecting clay pots with just a small hole fit for the birds to move. With time, these pots started to home numerous local birds, including shalik, bulbuli, tuntuni, robins, doves, and most frequently, sparrows.

"We want to preserve these local varieties through this initiative. We look to place more pots and also hope that we will inspire others to take up similar initiatives. The set up is not expensive but it is very rewarding when it comes to sheltering and saving these little wing flappers," mentioned Hasanat.

According to the initiators, 20 other pots were set up in the second phase of the initiative while 50 more are being prepared for the third phase. "Many pots have been damaged or fallen off, but we try and replace them as frequently as possible. Though I am no longer posted here, I still call the officials and make sure the nests are taken care of. We also try and make up for any damages caused by the pots we installed," shared Ziaur.

Source : DAILY STAR

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